Writing About The Sh*t People Say

Service Dog In Training and learning that there is lots of ignorance in this world. This blog is intended for the general public to learn what NOT to do when meeting a Service Dog team. 

[darlingtonbubbles]

This is one of the best interactions I’ve ever had.

Two school age kids: “Oh look at the big white puppy!”

Their mother: “Come here, let me explain something to you. That dog is a Service Dog. Whenever you see a dog in a store like this you can’t distract it cause it’s working.”

Two kids: “What do you mean he’s working?”

Mom: “He helps that girl. You know how at school your teacher tells you to be quite so you don’t get distracted doing your work? It’s the same thing with that dog. You can’t distract him.”

Two kids: “What does he help her with?”

Mom: “That’s her business. Your business is to not distract him so he can work.”

If children can understand so can you.

[encouragemutts]

This is so sweet.

[striders]

relatable pet owner feel

“oh god why are you wet”

[accessproblems]

I have heard varying opinions on service dogs for psychotic people - what is your opinion? Let's assume the person has insight and is able to take care of themselves and their dog. And also, jsut for fun, what dog breeds do you think are generally good service dogs but are not seen as often as labs and goldern rertrievers?

So, I don’t have a formed opinion on service dogs for psychotic people, because I really don’t know much about that diagnosis and how it affects each person. I do know that in the case that someone needs a service dog but cannot care for it themselves, as is often the case with autistic children, caretakers often help. 

I suppose my biggest thing is that I feel like a service dog should never be required to do anything that could hurt or seriously injure them. In the case of children with moderate to severe autism this can become a problem as some childrens “meltdown”s (lack of a better word) can involve kicking and hitting, which could hurt a dog. However, that is when the care taker should step in and also a proper, larger breed dog should be considered as they are much more durable and can easily walk away from a hitting child. Small dogs arent the best option as they can be picked up and dropped or restrained dangerously too easily.

As far as breeds that aren’t seen often but make good service dogs - two come to mind. Pitbulls and poodles. Poodles are probably more popular than pitbulls cause there is no stigma around them, but I still don’t see any awful lot of poodle service dogs. However both of my dogs are poodle or poodle-mixes and in my opinion the breed responds excellently to proper training and therefore is a good candidate. 

Pitbulls probably aren’t as easy to train as poodles, but I’ve heard that they can nevertheless make good service dogs. I actually even know of an organization that trains solely rescued pitbulls. 

[accessproblems]

So I am thinking whether I could use a service dog, except I have never trained anything more than basic commands and a some tricks, and since I'd be training the dog myself, I would like to ask you and your followers for any good resources for SD training for help with OCD, PTSD and anxiety (more specifically with anxiety attacks, repetitive b., people blocking, checking rooms, and ideally reminding to take meds and calm down when agitated and/or angry). Is there any website for owner-training?

There are a few owner-training websites and forums, even Facebook pages, and tumblr blogs like @actuallyservicedogs and @anxietyservicedogs. However, if you’ve never trained a dog advanced tricks or manners before, I’d highly recommend that you look into hiring a trainer to consult. Even with professional trainers, dogs wash out a lot because they training is so difficult and must be done correctly from the beginning. 

Training your own service dog isn’t something to be taken lightly too as it is a LOT of work, blood, sweat, and tears. You have to be good with dogs (or at least your dog) and you have to be patient. It’s tough work. I’m currently in the process of training my second service dog and it doesn’t get any easier, but it’s worth it in the long run. 

Hope this helped and I wish you the best of luck in training your dog!

[heyatleastitsnotcancer]

Are people allowed to ask why someone has a dog in public if it isn't clear it's a working dog like a service dog? Do service dogs have to wear vests?

It depends on the type of service dog. There are so many different types. Usually service animals for physical disabilities do wear some sort of identifying equipment or vest to show they are. Emotional support animals and other service animals do not have to. I wouldn’t suggest asking a person because it can be very invasive and exhausting for them to explain themselves but businesses can ask to confirm the pet is a service animal. People do not need to carry paperwork or anything to “prove” their animal is a service animal.

If anyone with service animals wants to jump in that would be great!

[millenialconfusion]

Businesses can ask if your animal is a service animal and what service it provides, that’s it.

ESAs are not service animals, are not allowed in public “no pet” areas except for airplanes.

There is no official registry for service animals and a business owner can be reported for discrimination if they do not allow you into their place of business. That being said, it’s not hard to tell by the behavior of the animal if it’s a trained service animal or not.

[biancotartufo]

tfw ur dog is alerting u to SOMETHING but u have no idea what

[actuallyservicedogs]

do you think it would be legal to get a service dog for anemia? My anemia causes severe fatigue, dizziness, and I always feel like I'm going to faint, but I don't know what type of tasks my dog would do to help with that? I've tried various medications and nothing seems to work, so im looking for an alternative route. I just don't want to get into any kind of trouble if its not a valid disability.

Is your fatigue and dizziness disabling to you? What can a dog do to help you? If the answer to the first question is yes and you can think of tasks, you can have a service dog. There are no valid or invalid disabilities. 

Editing this just to say that there are obviously valid disabilities. I just mean there isn’t a set list of things that are considered a disability and things that aren’t. 

Chelsea

[accessproblems]

I hope I’m not overstepping here but I just wanted to note that although there certainly are conditions in which anemia is chronic and does not respond to typical treatment, in most cases, anemia can be treated to an extent where you are asymptomatic. Because anemia is, at its core, a lack of healthy red blood cells, depending on what’s causing that lack sometimes it can’t be helped to the extent enough.

So my only thought would be whether or not it’s a good idea to get a service Dog if your particular type of anemia has high chances of going into remission. I mean, service dogs are living beings and you may have your dog for 10-15 years even if your condition improves. But if your condition improves, would you still withhold your end of the bargain and keep that Dog? And if you do, it’s important to keep in mind that retiring a dog that isn’t ready to retire and be very stressful/depressing in them, so said Dog may need to pick up a new “job” such as therapy work.

I hope this post is okay and I didn’t come across as rude. I know that I understand this person could have anemia that is not treatable and am in no way attempting to police this issue of “an I disabled enough” cause I believe that if you are asking that question you probably afe. But my thought on service dogs is always long-term. It’s not like getting a wheelchair which when no longer needed can be gifted to someone, it’s a genuine living being and they need you as much as you need them.

[lulu-the-mini-aussie-service-dog]

I got permission to share this from the person that put it together.

These are the commonly accepted guidelines for mobility service dogs.

[hellohoneyhello]

Non-friendly reminder

Don’t fucking take pictures of service dogs in public.

[trainingfaith]

Remember to Keep Up With Your Training Logs!

Hey guys! I wanted to give a quick reminder of how important training logs are if you are owner-training a service dog. If you got your dog from a professional training program, the program will have in-depth records of your dog’s training (and usually some form of “certification” on top of that). If you owner trained your dog, it’s extremely important that you have these logs as well! If an issue ever arrises with your service dog, they will serve as one of your only proofs of training.

While proof of training cannot be used as terms for entering a public establishment, they can be used as terms for receiving service dog related benefits (such as free county or state dog registration, discounts from certain companies, etc). They will also serve a very important purpose if you ever wind up in court due to your dog. 

Even if your dog is already half-way through his training and you didn’t log anything previously, you can still start now! Here’s a sample log to fill out each week. 

Sample Service Dog Training Log

Owner Trainer’s Name: [jamie doe] Dog’s Name: [kennel’s my shining star “jack”] Breed: [golden retriever] Gender: [male] Age: [2 years, 4 months; your best guess if you have a shelter dog]

Week of: [19-25 Nov 2017] Hours:[8.5] ([6] On Site) + ([2.5] Outings)

Health: [bath & nails trimmed in tuestday, heartworm preventative given on saturday, brushed daily, and vet appointment scheduled for next week. diet remained the same. no health concerns.] Problems: [barked in the hospital room when a nurse knocked on the door] Outings: [.5 hrs spent in walmart with permission on tuesday, 1 hr spent at the hospital with permission accompanied by (trainer name) on thursday, and 1 hr spent in intermediate obedience training class with (trainer name) at (training facility) on friday.] Socialization: [dog was exposed in a positve mannor to tile floors, grass, gravel, men with beards, children, other dogs, stairs, elivators, rubbinc alcohol, etc. use the blow socialization shart to give you ideas. he was nervous around metal slat stairs, people with hats, revolving doors, and escalators.] Obedience: [practiced CGC behaviors at home and in the local park under moderate distractions. broke long distance down stay when a child ran up to say hi. his heeling was slightly distracted.] Service Dog Tasks: [practiced brace indoors and on park benches around the community. still needs work in holding his stand stay for londer durations. practiced panic attack alert at home, and he alerted in public for the first time on tuesday in walmart.] Manners: [worked on impulse control around food and open doors. still needs work in not jumpin up on guests when they enter the home. still likes to dart out the door if left open.]

Comments: [enrolled in a novice trick dog class, cgc test scheduled for next saturday, and purchased a new “in training” vest for jack from indistrial puppy.]

Keep these logs in a binder along with certificates of your dog passing the CGC exams, public access test, etc. It’s also a good diea to have vieos of your dog on hand (video of the public access test, and videos of him tasking).

I hope this helps ❤ ~ Lex (& Faith…. & Defiance)

[theborkplanet-deactivated201810]

The Black Hole Phenomenon

1.) Dog lover sees my service dog. INSTANT GRAVITATIONAL PULL!!!

2.) My inner foreign object alarm sounds off according to proximity. Beep……beep…..beep beep…BEEP BEEP BEEP!!! 

“Please don’t pet my dog, she’s working.”

3.) This is where physics gets whacky you guys. The dog lover’s mind SEPARATES from her body due to the Black Hole that is my service dog. 

“Ooh I know, I’m just looking,” she says as her hand strokes my dog’s head over and over. 

At this point she is simultaneously touching, and not touching, my dog.

4.) “But your hand…” 

Using the observation effect forces the dog lover’s mind back into her out-of-control body. Sometimes this causes nuclear meltdowns.

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry I didn’t know! Wait who cares, I just love dogs and it’s unfair to keep me away!”

5.) Further noises issuing from the dog lover’s mouth all start to sound like “wah wah, be my reward for adulting today! Waaah.”

Then I’m suddenly certain the person has been captured within the event horizon of my dog’s presence. I know nothing can save the person now, so I just leave her behind while I reflect on the mysteries of the universe. 

It’s a tragically magical place.

[urbancripple]

Not surprising

[actuallyservicedogs]

Hi! I have been training my service dog Cooper myself. Due to a few reason such as it's cheaper and many service class trainers kinda look down to narcolepsy service dogs. In doing so I want to make sure I don't need any special paper work or ect to prove Cooper is a real service dog. What i'm wondering is there any certain paper work I should have or get just in case. Online hasn't helped cause so many different links say something different.

You don’t technically need any paper work but in the event that someone asks you for “proof” I always suggest keeping a training log. Every time you have a training session or outing, keep track of how long you did it, what you did, how well they did, etc. Another thing you can do is have a doctor’s note stating your need for the dog. Sometimes a lot of people will take that as “proof”. Another thing you can do is have your dog take the CGC and you can use that as proof of your dog being well trained (not necessarily a service dog but people will take that, too). 

That’s honestly all I can think of? Anyone else have other things?

Chelsea

[accessproblems]

Isn’t there a public access test that can also be taken in the US?

[a-framed-dog]

Can anyone tell me about Deep Pressure Therapy?

What is it for?

How do you train a dog to do it?

How often are the sessions?

Is there a right way/wrong way?

[accessproblems]

I use DPT for pain in my legs and muscle spasms. I train it mostly just by luring the dog with a treat onto my lap and using a command word like “adjust” to get them used to me moving their paws to the places I want them, the pressure points. I train it in various positions including laying down and sitting up so the dog knows how to do DPT in any position.

Rudy does DPT automatically at this point when he sees me dislocate my hip he instantly lays on it. Sherlock is barely 5m tho and only does it with treats which is to be expected.

As far as how often sessions are it really depends on your reason for DPT. I typically need DPT at least a couple of times a day cause my pain is chronic and severe and something as simple as sitting the wrong way can set it off.

Side note - I’ve also trained DPT for panic attacks but I don’t use that one as often.

[secret-agent-sargent]

It’s hunting season!

Please make sure to keep yourself and your pets safe! Hunters are responsible for knowing their surroundings and only shooting what they can see, but every year there are always incidents of hunters not paying enough attention, shooting in public areas, or shooting towards public trails. To help keep you and your pets safe:

Know the hunting seasons of the areas around you. Bow hunting is usually open much longer than guns, so be prepared throughout all of the fall season. 

Wear hunter orange and/or reflective clothing. Even something as simple as a bright orange hat turns you from a moving blur to identifiable as something that should not be shot. 

 Keep your dogs on leash unless you are absolutely 100% certain there is a 0% chance a hunter may be anywhere in the area. Even areas that should be safe, or you hike in the off season may have hunters. For the next couple of weeks, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Put hunter orange/reflective stripes on your pets. You can get reflective collars, harnesses, and leashes for your dogs, and bright orange turnout blankets for your horse. My horse is kept near a forest where people are known to hunt, so they are limited to small winter sacrifice areas during gun hunting (the first week of November around here) even though the forest is a hay field and 300 meters from the forest, and right by the Bruce Trail. 

Remember, farms are allowed to shoot coyotes and raccoons (at least in my area!) ANY time of the year. They are NOT limited to any hunting season. If you are walking your dog around farms ANY time of the year, it’s best to be safe and act like you’re in hunting season. 

If you do hike (while wearing hunter orange), stick to well marked trails. A good hunter knows where the trails are and avoids, them, but is much less likely to expect people to be wandering throughout random areas of the forest. In keeping on the trails, you are much safer, and are less likely to disturb the areas that hunters are using.

[kaoticspoonie]

Also if you have a dog that is likely to spook make sure to have double connections or some sort of safe leash set up. Emerson gets walked in a harness and martingale connected to leashes.

[trainingfaith]

Service Dog Public Access Survival Guide

I’ve decided to put together a list of tips on how to handle public access with a service dog based upon my several years of working Faith. I hope this can help others when they encounter these situations!

❤ People will stare. A lot. It’s something you’ll have to get used to. Oftentimes people won’t necessarily mean to stare, but there is a (probably very cute) dog in the grocery store and it’s different. The best thing you can do in these situations is just ignore them.

💛 People will often ask questions… biggest question you’ll get will probably be “what’s the dog for?” (or “why do you need a service dog?”). If you struggle to answer questions like this, practice at home if you need to; choose to be as open or as closed as you’d like. These people are not entitled to your private information. If you would simply like to respond “medical reasons,” then that is completely fine. I try to be more open to educating people about what Faith does for me. However, I’ve grown accustomed to speaking to the public about service dogs, myself, Faith, etc. You do whatever is most comfortable for you!

💚 If you find yourself in a situation where someone is denying you access, please try to kindly educate before arguing. I know what it’s like to have a bad day, walk into a store, and have a gatekeeper screaming in my face because I brought a dog in. However, I always to my best to handle the situation as calmly as possible. Oftentimes people don’t mean to deny your service dog access… they just aren’t educated on service dog law. Take a breath, and treat this as a good education opportunity.

💙 With that said, always have access to something with ADA law information on it. This could be personal service dog business cards, ADA cards, a printout, etc. Also, BOOKMARK THIS DOCUMENT ON YOUR PHONE! It has been an absolute lifesaver on so many occasions.

💜 You have a dog… which means people will naturally gravitate towards you in masses asking to pet him or her. This is a big thing to get used to as a service dog handler. You need to decide whether or not you will allow the public to interact with your dog. Personally, I don’t allow it as I can’t have Faith getting distracted. I also don’t want people to think they can pet other service dogs just because I told them they could pet mine. Whatever you decide, be firm but polite about it. If someone asks to pet your dog, kindly respond with “No. I’m sorry, she’s working right now.” and leave it at that.

❤️ Please be kind to kids. They are young and often don’t know any better. You want their experiences with service dog handlers to be positive… not thinking we are rude. I’ve taken the extra time to explain to kids “This is a helper dog. When she’s wearing her uniform *points to Faith’s vest* it means she’s on duty and doing a very important job for me. If you distract her, she could lose her job.” I’ve found this to be the kindest way to deter kids from giving service dogs unwanted attention, without them asking further questions.

💛 You may come across another dog/handler team in public.  I do my best to give them space and just leave them alone unless they approach me. I really try not to judge other teams or try to determine if they are “real” or “fake.” I know some handlers who can be super judgy when they see another dog in public, and trust me, it’s not worth the effort lol. Real or fake, just give them space and move on.

💚 If you do happen to come across a dog in public who is clearly misbehaving, showing signs of aggression, making a mess, or otherwise causing disruption; take it up with the store MANAGER (and do so as politely as possible with an ADA card in hand). I try not to approach the team or say anything to them unless absolutely necessary. Faith has been aggressively lunged at and attacked by dogs in public before, and it’s not worth the risk imo.

💙 If your own dog is having an off-day and just not behaving up to standards, please remove him from public access for the day. I know it’s hard. I’ve been there myself. However, it’s not fair to him, you, or those around you to work a dog who doesn’t want to behave. Postpone your shopping trip or leave him at home if need be. Just please don’t force him into public if he’s having an off-day.

💜 Lastly, know that you are representing not only yourselves as a team, but the entire service dog community when you are out in public. Most people have never seen a service dog before, and seeing you will leave a lasting impression. Make sure it’s a positive one :) Be professional, be polite, & be courteous of others around you.

~ Lex (& Faith)

[havaneseservicedog]

What size dog should you get?

So, you finally got your doctor’s note to get a service dog? Next step is doing some breed research. Should you get a big dog or a small dog?

(This list can also be used by potential pet/ESA/therapy dog owners.)

Small dogs -

Pros:

Easy to groom/cleaner

Easier tuck and under

Typically less costly

Can be picked up or put in a pet carrier

Live longer

Easy to travel with

Cons:

Can be stepped on

Harder access (many people are used to service dogs being big, so smaller dogs are usually passed off as fake)

They are usually bolder than large dogs (due to thinking they’re bigger than they are)

Tendency to be stubborn

Large Dogs -

Pros:

Stronger

Can do more tasks such as mobility and brace tasks

More « believable » as service dogs

Adapt well to the amount of exercise needed to be a service dog

Usually have even temperaments

Easier to train

Cons:

Shed more

Take up a lot more space

Cost more

Shorter lifespan

Tend to have chewing problems

Honestly, everything depends on the breed and more specifically, the dog. There are exceptions to the rule.

A big factor is also the kind of work you need done. If you need mobility support, you will absolutely need a large dog, no questions asked. However, you could hold a small diabetic alert dog in your pet carrier so it is closer to your mouth and can smell your breath.

Find the breed that works for you.

[spooniedollie]

If you’re interested in getting an ESA, please keep this one thing in mind

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A “REGISTRY” FOR IT! Any company that attempts to “register” your animal is SCAMMING YOU! DO NOT LET THEM TAKE MONEY FROM YOU!

The only “requirement” is a doctors note that explains what kind of relief the animal provides you with.

[servicedoodle]

I know I say this a lot but please people be aware of the scam sites. I hate seeing people get ripped off, and because the sites know they are scamming people they don’t offer refunds